Nigerian-British Art Dealer Pleads Guilty in UK Terrorism Financing Case
Nigerian-British art dealer Oghenochuko Orji has pleaded guilty to charges related to terrorism financing after failing to report the sale of artwork to a man allegedly tied to the Hezbollah group, a proscribed terrorist organization.
Orji appeared before the Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Friday, facing an eight-count charge under section 21(a) of the UK’s Terrorism Act 2000. The charges mark the first prosecution of its kind in the country, centred on the failure to disclose suspicious activity in a regulated business sector.
According to prosecutors, between October 2020 and December 2021, Orji sold art valued at £140,000 to Lebanese national Nazem Ahmad, a figure sanctioned by both the United States and the United Kingdom for alleged financial ties to Hezbollah. The U.S. government placed Ahmad on its terrorism watch list in 2019, with the UK following suit in 2023.
During the court proceedings, prosecutor Lyndon Harris revealed that Orji had direct dealings with Ahmad, negotiated transactions, and even congratulated him on purchases — despite being aware of his controversial background. Orji reportedly read news reports about Ahmad’s terrorism links and discussed them with others, but failed to act on that information.
Orji’s art company, Ramp Gallery, had consulted a third party for compliance advice concerning the sales, but ultimately did not follow through on the recommendations.
“There is one discussion where Orji is party to a conversation where it is apparent a lot of people have known for years about [Ahmad’s] terrorism links,” Harris told the court.
Despite the severity of the charges, District Judge Briony Clarke granted Orji bail under strict conditions, including the surrender of his passport. Sentencing has been scheduled for June 6 at the Old Bailey.
Orji is a well-known figure in the UK art world, particularly for his appearances as an expert on the popular BBC television show Bargain Hunt. His arrest and guilty plea have sent shockwaves through the art and broadcasting communities, where he was widely respected.
